Des Moines Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck Accident Cases in Iowa
Commercial vehicles can cause catastrophic damage in the event of an accident, and the potential for severe injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and death, is a real and grave threat to those involved. At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., our Des Moines trucking accident attorneys are committed to protecting victims’ rights and will vigorously promote their interests in a court of law if necessary.
On This Page
- How Are Truck Accidents Different Than Auto Accidents?
- Common Causes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Liability in Trucking Accident Cases
- Do I Need An Attorney?
Careless Drivers and Trucking Companies Can be Held Accountable
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, 18-wheeler, or semi-truck, contact LaMarca Law Group, P.C. at (515) 705-0233 for a consultation with an experienced Des Moines truck accident lawyer.
How Are Truck Accidents Different Than Auto Accidents?
Truck drivers spend more time on the road than just about anyone else. They provide valuable services that enable many of the conveniences that we take for granted, but through the accumulation of miles and hours, their fatigue and their vehicles also may become an increasing liability.
Due to the massive size of the typical 18-wheeler, any truck accident has the potential to do tremendous damage to other motorists, vehicles, and objects in the vicinity. As a result, it is incredibly important for all safety regulations and requirements to be strictly followed at all times.
The devastating injuries frequently caused by a commercial truck, 18-wheeler, and tractor-trailer collisions create physical, emotional, and financial difficulties for trucking accident victims and their families. At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., we are committed to helping injury victims protect their rights.
Understanding Truck Accidents in Des Moines
Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a bustling hub with a significant amount of commercial traffic passing through its highways and streets. The presence of major routes like I-80 and I-35 means that truck accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence. Local residents and commuters are often at risk due to the high volume of commercial vehicles navigating these busy roads.
One of the significant pain points for Des Moines residents is dealing with the complexities of truck accident claims. The process involves navigating through various state and federal regulations, which can be overwhelming without proper legal guidance. At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., we understand the unique challenges faced by our community. We are committed to helping you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Whether you are commuting through the busy intersections of downtown Des Moines or traveling on the outskirts near the Des Moines International Airport, the risk of encountering a negligent truck driver is real. Our team is well-versed in the local landscape and the specific issues that arise in truck accident cases here. We are dedicated to providing personalized support and aggressive representation to ensure that you and your family can recover and move forward.
What Are Some Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?
The potential danger begins before a trucking company even hires a driver and continues straight on through the course of their career. Skilled Des Moines truck accident attorneys can help you to identify the underlying causes and sources of negligence which led to your accident so that you can accurately and aggressively seek the monetary consideration that you are due.
Some common causes of truck accidents are:
Frequently Asked Truck Accident Questions
If you are hurt in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, you deserve to know your rights and what steps you can take to obtain the justice that you and your family deserve. The Des Moines truck accident attorneys of the LaMarca Law Group, P.C. want to make sure that you know what legal options are available to you if you’ve been hurt by a reckless truck driver or negligent trucking company. We have provided the answers to some frequently asked questions below, and we are standing by to answer any questions you may have about your case.
What is a “Commercial Vehicle?"
The term commercial vehicle is commonly used to describe any vehicle that is used to transport commercial goods or is used in the course of daily business. It is frequently used when referring to 18-wheelers or “big rigs,” but also applies to delivery vehicles, 16-passenger vans, tanker trucks, and other large freight vehicles. Many businesses use consumer trucks for their companies’ regular operations, but most commercial vehicles are larger, heavier, and require a special commercial drivers’ license for the driver to operate them.
How Do Commercial Truck and Passenger Vehicle Accidents Happen?
Collisions between large trucks and passenger vehicles happen every day on the roads and highways across the U.S. The majority of these accidents can be attributed to the size and handling nature of these large vehicles, and the drivers of passenger cars and trucks’ failure to keep a safe distance and stay out of blind spots when driving near a large passenger vehicle. When these 2 factors are at play, serious injury accidents may occur. Trucks have limited visibility and “no-zones” and have severe limitations on braking and maneuverability to avoid collisions. Because of these characteristics, drivers of passenger vehicles should make sure to drive with caution when they are near an 18-wheeler on the road.
What is a “No-Zone” on a Commercial Truck?
The term “no-zone” refers to areas on large commercial vehicles that have minimal or zero visibility for the driver, due to the sheer size of the truck. These areas are directly behind the truck and immediately to the rear right and rear left of the truck. If a passenger vehicle is in the truck’s no-zone, the truck driver may not be able to see the car when merging, changing lanes, or making other maneuvers on the road, and a collision may occur.
What Do I Do If I Am the Victim of a Trucking Accident?
If you have been seriously injured in a trucking accident, you need legal representation. Collisions involving large trucks can cause difficulties and potential complications when filing personal injury or wrongful death claims.
A lawyer can review your case to see if trucking regulations were followed properly. An experienced legal team can find discrepancies or inconsistencies in order to determine if the driver or trucking company is liable for your collision.
To schedule a free consultation with a Des Moines truck accident attorney, contact our firm today at (515) 705-0233.
Liability in Trucking Accident Cases
Individuals involved in trucking accidents not only suffer physical and emotional trauma during the aftermath of a trucking accident, but these types of collisions can also cause a significant financial burden to you and your loved ones. Extensive medical costs, dealing with lost income from work, and other expenses can add up and cause more stress and worry for accident victims.
Liability from a truck collision may entitle the injured party to obtain compensation from many insurance policies, which may include vehicle insurance policies covering the passengers, driver of the truck, or the trucking company itself. The determination of who is liable often depends upon the circumstances of the accident and what party is most at fault. A crash involving a commercial truck may be a pure accident, but frequently, the driver or the trucking company might be negligent.
Another thing to consider is that the trucking company may violate the law to save the company money and increase profits. A truck driver may put in long hours on the road to meet company deadlines. Proper rest, food, and sleeping breaks are required to make sure truck drivers are alert enough to drive safely. If a driver is overworked, they may become fatigued and exhausted, which can lead to a disastrous crash.
If a truck is found to be defective or has defective parts, the trucking manufacturer may be liable for the accident. For example, if the manufacturer stated that the rig was outfitted to handle certain types of cargo properly, but that turned out it wasn’t the case, and a crash resulted. The manufacturer would then be held responsible for the accident, including any injuries and damages.
A victim must show that the other party failed to exercise reasonable care or violated a breach of duty of care, which directly caused their injuries.
Do I Need An Attorney For My Truck Accident Case?
Having a Des Moines truck accident attorney to demonstrate that a truck driver was negligent is very important if you have a trucking accident claim. There are in-depth state and federal trucking regulations to consider, and you may be unable to navigate without legal help. You need to meet with a skilled lawyer who can review and investigate the accident to determine who is liable for your injuries. Insurance companies are all too eager to offer you a low settlement to save them money, but what they offer may not be enough to cover your medical bills or long-term hospitalization costs in the future. In this instance, hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer is in your best interest.
Why Choose Us?
At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., our lawyers have several years of experience helping clients with trucking accident claims. We can help prove who is at fault for your accident, investigate the circumstances that caused your injuries, and successfully determine compensation and damages that you can expect to receive based on the severity of your injuries.
Our experienced Des Moines lawyers will take on the burden of working with insurance companies, including completing any paperwork, gathering evidence and documentation, and negotiating a settlement with the insurance company so that you can focus on your health and recovery.
Filing a Trucking Accident Lawsuit
Filing a personal injury lawsuit in a truck accident case is a complex process and can be daunting to someone who lacks an exhaustive understanding of the law. For that reason, it is in your best interest to promptly seek legal counsel to determine your rights and to bring a personal injury claim in a timely matter.
At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., our Des Moines semi-truck and tractor-trailer accident attorneys can bring their extensive litigation experience and aggressive representation to you and your family.
Fighting Against Dangerous Trucking Practices
George A. LaMarca is an active member of the Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. The AITLA is a national association of committed trial lawyers who have joined together to help eliminate unsafe and illegal interstate trucking practices. Through the combined efforts of its member attorneys, this organization supports education, litigation, and legislation to make America’s highways a safer place tomorrow for our families, our clients, and all Americans.
The mission of AITLA is to dramatically reduce the number of traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths across America that are caused by trucking companies who are unsafe. Its members are committed to the organization’s motto of “Putting the Brakes on Unsafe Trucking Companies.” AITLA attorneys have attained extremely high levels of professional and national achievement and recognition in the area of law known as interstate trucking litigation. Membership in this prestigious organization is open only to ethical plaintiffs’ lawyers who pledge to join together with other member attorneys to accomplish the stated mission of this organization.
We have dedicated our lives to protecting the rights and futures of injured Iowans. We work to ensure that your case is handled while you focus on your recovery.
